House Scraps One Abortion Bill, Passes Another To Tighten Federal Restrictions

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Jan. 22, 2015 / 1:00 PM GMT / Updated Jan. 22, 2015 / 6:29 PM GMT

The day after GOP leaders scrapped consideration of a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the House has passed another measure to further ensure that federal funds cannot be spent on abortions.

The passed legislation, which is similar to the long-standing Hyde Amendment, states that "No funds authorized or appropriated by Federal law, and none of the funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by Federal law, shall be expended for any abortion."

The funding limitations do not apply to an abortion related to rape, incest, or preserving the life of the mother.

The president has vowed to veto the bill.

The move came after House leaders pulled the 20 week measure from consideration after it became apparent that it did not have sufficient support to pass.

A senior GOP leadership aide told NBC they were "not quite ready" to go forward with the Pain-Capable Abortion bill after both men and women pushed back on the bill.

"Our conference needs a little more time," the aide said, noting they intend to bring the bill back up later this year.

The delayed bill would have criminalized most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The White House had also vowed to veto it.